ITV has signed a deal to be the lead UK broadcaster of Uefa Europa League games in a three-year deal that will see the end of Channel 5's coverage of the competition.

The UK's largest advertiser-funded broadcaster has struck a deal to air the first- and second-pick Europa League games for the 2012/13 to 2014/15 seasons, with ESPN picking up the rights to the remainder of the matches.

When the new deal begins next year it will mark the end of Channel 5's association with Uefa Europa league, after an exclusive deal to air first-pick games and the final that it struck in 2008.

ITV will show most of the matches on ITV4 and ITV.com, although if UK teams make it to the quarter finals and beyond some matches will be aired on ITV1.

The broadcaster, which will also air a highlights show, has a longstanding relationship with Uefa including the rights to Champion's League football until 2015.

ESPN will show at least one live Europa League match each match week as well as a highlights package.

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